Illarramendi linked with Madrid switch

Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi is edging closer to a move to Real Madrid, according to Spanish sports daily AS.

Illarramendi has been tipped for a bright future.

The Basque club's fans are eager not to lose the talented 23-year-old and have mounted a Twitter campaign in an attempt to convince him to stay at Anoeta.

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has, however, seemingly given his endorsement to the move after he said on Spain’s national radio station RNE that he has no doubts about the youngster’s ability to perform at the very highest level.

“Illarramendi is a very complete midfielder. He has the calibre to play in any team in the world," Del Bosque said.

According to AS, Illarramendi is keen on the move, and is eager to push the deal through before July 11, which is when he is due back in training with la Real.

And there seems to be a growing feeling in San Sebastian that, should Madrid pay the Spaniard's buy-out clause of €30 million, then the transfer would be a formality.

"Asier is on holiday enjoying a deserved break and we have no idea what his intentions are. But if Madrid are willing to pay the buy-out clause then I imagine it will be very hard to hold onto him”, Real Sociedad captain Xabi Prieto said in a press conference.

"What I would say is that we, his team-mates, respect his decision and we will fully support him whatever he decides."